Versatile verbenas: These sun lovers add color to beds and containers from spring through fall - Brief Article

Sunset, May, 2002 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

Some plants make handsome ground covers, Others provide nonstop bloom in beds and borders. And some are outstanding performers in containers. But very few plants perform all these tasks as well as some members of the genus Verbena.

This large category of perennials, including species native to Mexico, South America, and our Southwestern deserts, are superb colormakers. Their showy flower clusters appear with the onset of warm weather and generally bloom all summer long.

In recent years, there has been an explosion of patented verbenas developed by breeders from around the world, including California, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. "You can't beat these new verbenas for flower production," says Josh Schneider, a spokesman for Proven Winners, an international plant marketing firm that has introduced many varieties of verbena.

Another closely related group, garden verbenas, has its admirers too. Nurseryman Jeff Rosendale, of Watsonville, California, particularly likes the varieties 'Coral Red' and 'Pink and White'. "They're fairly resistant to mildew and have held up in our coastal garden for five years with only moderate water," he says.

How and where to use them

Most garden verbenas and patented hybrids are cold-hardy to 15[degree] to 25[degree], but they can be grown as summer annuals anywhere.

Use any of these fast-growing spreaders to provide quick color in between shrubs, in the front of perennial borders, or along walkways. Planted in containers or hanging baskets, they form stunning cascades of color.

With so many kinds available, how do you choose which one to buy? First, consider the way you intend to use the plant. Some series, such as Escapade and Tapien, work better as wide-spreading ground covers. Others, like Patio Temari and Rapunzel, grow more upright, making them perfect for a container garden.

Choices are also determined by flower color and foliage type. If you live in a coastal area, choose one that is less susceptible to mildew, a white powdery-looking disease that infects the foliage of many plants.

Sources

Nurseries usually carry good selections of verbenas. To locate nurseries that sell Babylon, Patio Temari, Tapien, Temari, and Tukana, visit the Proven Winners website, www.provenwinners.com. For Twilight retailers, check the Flower Fields website, springplants.theflowerflelds.com, and click on "Search."

What verbena needs

SOIL. Loose, well-drained soil amended with compost.

EXPOSURE. Full sun (at least six hours per day) with good air circulation.

WATER. Moderate to regular water; moisture-stressed plants are more susceptible to mildew. Use a drip-irrigation system, if possible. If using overhead irrigation, water in the morning.

FERTILIZER. Feed plants regularly, especially those in containers, with a balanced fertilizer.

PRUNING. To rejuvenate plants, prune back old growth before new growth appears in spring. During the season, shear off faded blooms or cut back plants if they look shaggy; fertilize afterward.

RELATED ARTICLE: Garden verbena (V. x hybrida)

Flat flower clusters up to 3 inches wide appear on bright green or gray green serrated foliage. Most grow 6 to 10 inches tall by 1 1/2 to 3 feet wide. Some of the better colors include 'Coral Red', 'Hot Ups' (violet pink; grows up to 16 inches tall), 'Peaches 'N Cream' (pastel pink and cream), 'Pink and White' (white blushed pink), and 'Silver Anne' (pink). Garden verbenas tolerate mildew if given sun and good air circulation. These thrive in Sunset climate zones 8-24, H1-H2.

Patented hybrids

These hybrids are available in a number of series, which fall into two basic categories: fine-leaf and broad-leaf. All are hardy in zones 4-9, 12-24, H1-H2. Look for the series name on nursery tags.

FINE-LEAF TYPES. Developed from V. pulchella gracilior, their foliage has a delicate, fernilke appearance.

* Rapunzel. Upright spreading plant 10 to 12 inches tall by 30 to 34 inches wide. Two-inch-wide flower clusters come in burgundy, purple, and purple with a white eye. Useful in containers or as a ground cover. Less susceptible to mildew.

* Tapien. One of the first patented introductions, this spreading type grows almost flat (2 to 3 inches tall) and to about 2 1/2 feet wide. Blue violet, pink, and salmon flower clusters are small (1 inch wide) but prolific. Best used as a ground cover along the edge of a border or path. Keep it away from vigorous plants that could overcome it. Less susceptible to mildew. BROAD-LEAF TYPES. Typically developed from V. canadensis, these hybrids have wider serrated leaves.

* Babylon. Bushy, compact plant 8 to 10 inches tall by 12 to 14 inches wide. Large fragrant flowers come in eight colors. Blooms through winter in mild climates. Tolerates mildew.

* Escapade. Spreading type grows 12 inches tall by 38 to 40 inches wide. Two-inch-wide burgundy or red flower clusters. Use it as a vigorous ground cover or combine it with more upright annuals or perennials in containers. Less susceptible to mildew.

* Lanai. Spreading type 8 to 10 inches tall by 30 to 34 inches wide. Two-inch-wide flower clusters come in six colors, including vibrant pink. Useful as ground cover or in container plantings. Less susceptible to mildew.